I’ve travelled a fair amount and have had the opportunity to photograph many beautiful locations. Reflecting on my travels, I am reminded of the countless stunning cities and landscapes I’ve been fortunate to be in front of. Some have been bucket list places for years; others were spectacular surprises. There will always be more places I want to experience. Still, in this blog post, I wanted to reflect on five locations I’ve visited and explain why I consider them the most photogenic of all the places I’ve been. If you are considering visiting any of these locations, I think you will be thrilled with the fantastic photo opportunities you will be presented with during your time.

Before we start, I wanted to note that some locations require more planning than others, and additional travel might be required within that location. As a result, some locations could be considered more manageable than others and need more time to enjoy thoroughly.

5. Venice, Italy

You probably know what to expect even if you have never been to Venice. When you first arrive, you can’t help but be impressed with what they were able to build and do so essentially on the water. Venice, Italy, is a city of exceptional beauty and timeless and unique appeal, alluring visitors with its architecture and waterways.

My visit to Venice was short and part of our Rome, Florence, and Venice trifecta, three cities commonly visited together on a trip to Italy. But in my short time there, I captured many photos I am delighted with as there seemed to be opportunities for great images around every corner. I also caught the sunrise one morning, and I’m so thankful I dragged myself out of bed because those images are some of my favourite from Venice.

Venice is a bustling spot, and since I was there in 2018, it has only continued to get busier, and overtourism strains its infrastructure. Recently, Venice has implemented an entry fee for visitors to the city and has limited cruise ships in some manner. However, it continues to be overcrowded, and Venice doesn’t have open space to accommodate the people, and the crowds can be overwhelming. Travelling in the off-season could help alleviate some of the crowds. Regardless, the city is beautiful, and its uniqueness is why so many people continue to visit Venice.

Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. — Piazzale Michelangelo

4. Florence, Italy

The second entry on this list of best photography locations and the second in Italy. I’ve been to numerous cities and places in Italy, and I can say that everywhere I have been was unique and beautiful. Italy remains my number one country to visit. I still have many places to visit in Italy for the first time, but I’ve been to Florence twice now and wouldn’t rule out a third visit. It’s that captivating and enjoyable. After visiting a place for the first time, we become familiar with the layout and how to get around, which plays into returning as the entire place becomes more comfortable.

Our first visit to Florence was in 2018. I wanted to return to Florence as that first visit was great; however, it did rain a little, and we weren’t there for very long. I wanted a fresh visit and more time dedicated to photography. On the second visit, in late 2024, I was alone in my travels, which offered the flexibility I didn’t have when travelling with Lisa. This is not to say that one is better, but only to say it is a different experience.

Florence is one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy, and there are plentiful opportunities for street and travel photography here. It’s also a great city to people watch and there are many places to do that. Along the Arno River with the Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza del Duomo, and Piazzale Michelangelo are all great spots.

If you are photographing in Florence, you will not be disappointed. If you have never been to the city or the country, Florence should be at the top of your list. Based on the food, sites, history, architecture, and easy navigation, I’d recommend Florence to a first-time visitor to the country.

Morning sunrise at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley. — Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - Death Valley

3. Death Valley, California

Death Valley in California doesn’t have the usual draws of landmarks and ancient architecture of other locations on this list, but it is captivating nonetheless. What is stunning about Death Valley is the enormousness of the place. Death Valley covers over 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park in the United States. The views are incredible to itself, as it’s almost unfathomable how vast this place is. At the top of Dante’s View, you will look out over Badwater Basin, and it can be hard to comprehend how far you can see. You realize this when small lines below are actual roads and that cars are so small they are barely visible. Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at 282 ft below sea level, and Dante’s View above it rises almost 6,000 ft above it. The weather in Death Valley is extreme, and some reports state that the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Death Valley. It can be a punishing environment that is not to be taken lightly. It also hardly ever rains here.

There are some excellent locations to visit. The aforementioned Badwater Basin (I was there when there was recent and rare rainfall), and Dante’s View, there is also Zabriskie Point, Racetrack Playa (no racing), where you will find the famous sailing stones, Ubehebe Crater, Devil’s Gold Course (no golfing), and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Artists’ Palette to name a few. They are all mesmerizing places to see.

Death Valley is a stunning place to be. There are so many photographic opportunities here, and with continuous, favourable shooting conditions, it was a fantastic time for me—a perfect experience. I’ve always considered going back. When I was there in 2015, I was with a group of people, including photographer John Batdorff. With John’s expertise in Death Valley, I was there at the right time and place to capture what I did. I loved Death Valley!

The Sassi of Matera, Italy. — The Sassi of Matera

2. Matera, Italy

The third entry is from Italy: do you understand how stunning Italy is yet? Matera is one of the most recent locations, along with Florence. Both of which were on the same journey. Matera has been on my list for a while now, even before ‘No Time to Die,’ which highlighted Matera in its pre-credits scene. While researching locations in Southern Italy years ago, I discovered Matera and was immediately taken by its ancient architecture. It looked so much different and older than anywhere I’ve been. I had to get there.

Matera does not have a direct airport. You need to fly into Bari and then take a bus to Matera. It’s pretty easy to get to, overall. The city of Matera is not just what you usually see; it is a combination of a modern city and what most will see when they research Matera: the Sassi. The Sassi of Matera are ancient cave dwellings inhabited on and off since the Paleolithic era.

Believe it or not, cars can get around in some areas of the Sassi; however, it’s pretty limited. As a result, walking is the primary method of exploring here. And since there are some pretty pronounced elevation changes throughout, exploring the Sassi requires stamina and a pair of comfortable shoes with good traction (if it rains, it’s incredibly slippery). I enjoyed Matera so much, exploring a city that is one of the oldest in the world; I couldn’t help but think of how many lives have passed through here and what things looked like thousands of years ago, what stories have occurred on the very spots I was walking. The construction of the Sassi is a bit sporadic compared to more recent construction, so everything is unique. It may look like a difficult place to figure out and navigate, but I assure you it is not. I walked around here for days and constantly found something interesting. And there are fantastic vantage points in Matera.

Since Matera isn’t one of the first destinations people consider, tourism is relatively low compared to other Italian destinations. Since there is no airport, the bus ride keeps some people away as they stick to more accessible cities. However, it is becoming more popular, and the number of visitors is increasing.

Find a flight into Bari and get a bus directly outside the terminal. Staying at an Airbnb in Matera is affordable, and you will never have a unique photographic opportunity more than in Matera.

1. Iceland

I visited Iceland in 2016, almost a decade ago. Iceland was one of the most discussed and desired destinations at the time. Everyone planning a trip seemed to have it at the top of their list. And I can tell you, the hype was justified, as Iceland is nothing short of stunning.

Two weeks is excellent if you plan to explore Iceland and not just Reykjavik; three would be plenty. I think we had 9 days. Our trip was meticulously planned with limited time, with time dedicated to the sites and locations we wanted to see most. We drove the Ring Road, which encircles the entire country of Iceland, starting and ending in Reykjavik. Spanning over 1,300 kilometres, it is the longest ring road in Europe and connects most of Iceland’s inhabited regions. It also includes the Glacier Lagoon, Vik, with its black sand beaches, and numerous famous waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Goðafoss. There is so much to see.

Iceland's landscape is like nothing else I’ve ever seen, and I’m not exaggerating. It is surreal and other-worldly. We could see Iceland's everchanging landscape during our extended road trip throughout Iceland. There is so much here that you will not see anywhere else on Earth in quite the same way. Iceland had the most photogenic subjects of all the trips I’ve been on. There is no way this country's awe and beauty will not surpass what you envisioned.

Conclusion

I’m happy with my travels and photographic journeys, as I’ve been presented with some of the most impressive sights on this Earth. There are so many more to see, but these five locations are my top locations for photographic opportunities. With three of the five being in Italy, I can confidently say that Italy is my dream location where I would live and retire if possible. Death Valley is the most immense place I’ve seen, giving context to our small place in the world. However, Iceland remains a photographer’s dream.

Oddly, Iceland has seemed to drop off the must-see locations. I’m unsure why, as no other place like Iceland exists. It is a place that must be experienced. If you can go for a lengthy visit, rent a car and drive the Ring Road. You’ll understand the impact this place can have.

The Most Photogenic Locations I’ve Been to So Far